Christian rap artist to perform at Bethesda UMC

Crucial, whose real name is Matthew Slyman, a Christian rap and hip-hop artist, will perform at Bethesda United Methodist Church in Welcome on April 19. The former Lexington resident is well-known in the music industry as a producer but also tours with his performance ministry.

Published: Friday, April 5, 2013 at 12:02 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 5, 2013 at 12:02 p.m.

When Al Blanton put the word out that he wanted to organize a special event at Bethesda United Methodist Church for area youths, he received a suggestion from two older members: Crucial, a hip-hop rap artist.

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Christian recording artist and inspirational speaker Crucial will perform at Bethesda United Methodist Church in Welcome on April 19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8. Admission is free.

The one-person performer, in fact, was highly recommended by the pair who had seen him in concert, says Blanton, who chairs the evangelism committee at the church.

"I'm not calling anybody old," Blanton says with a laugh, "but those two ladies are older than I am."

The Christian recording artist and inspirational speaker will perform at Bethesda UMC in Welcome on April 19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8. Admission is free.

"It's the craziest thing," relates the performer who resides in Charlotte but spent most of his formative years right here in Lexington. "It never fails, when I go to a church or some event, there are always one or two elderly people — I'm talking about people in their 70s and 80s — who come up to me and say they never liked rap music until that night. They want to buy my CDs.

"You know, this is not just geared to young people. It's for people of all ages," said the 1997 graduate of Lexington Senior High School whose given name is Matthew Slyman.

Since leaving this area some 10 years ago, the 33-year-old, who is also well-known in the music business as a producer, has put together an impressive résumé, which includes releasing four albums under Rock Solid Records and performing for thousands more in events, ranging from small youth functions, prisons and urban outreaches to larger concert events, conferences and festivals. He has shared the stage with many notable artists.

The name Crucial, he says, dates to his past. "I used to work with kids. We would rap free style and battle back and forth. They would say, 'that's crucial,' or 'that's cool.' I just think the message of Jesus Christ is a very crucial message, and it's crucial people understand the Gospel."

Slyman, whose father is Jim Slyman, a longtime Lexington ophthalmologist at Davidson Eye Associates, has been involved in music most of his life. He can play keyboards, guitar and the saxophone.

"Basically, I went down some dark roads in my life. I just got involved in the wrong things. I got to the point that I was kind of at the end of myself." Slyman says when he gave his life to the Lord, he felt he was led to become a musical performer. That was something — a natural gift — he could give for God.

"I think my ministry actually reaches a lot of the older generation, some of those who are in their 30s and 40s and into hip-hop. I've always said if I can impact just one life, that's great."

Blanton believes Crucial will be well-received. "I remember when I was in high school, an ex-Hell's Angel came to speak. I still remember that. We wanted someone who could share a life-changing event through Christ. He (Crucial) just doesn't perform. After the show he takes time to fellowship with people."

Invitations to the concert have gone out to churches in the area and will be sent to area schools, Blanton said.

"We hope we have a great turnout. We've had gospel singers and bluegrass groups before, but this will be the first rap artist our church has ever hosted," Blanton said with a smile.

Dwight Davis can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 226 or at dwight.davis@the-dispatch.com.

<p>When Al Blanton put the word out that he wanted to organize a special event at Bethesda United Methodist Church for area youths, he received a suggestion from two older members: Crucial, a hip-hop rap artist.</p><p>The one-person performer, in fact, was highly recommended by the pair who had seen him in concert, says Blanton, who chairs the evangelism committee at the church.</p><p>"I'm not calling anybody old," Blanton says with a laugh, "but those two ladies are older than I am."</p><p>The Christian recording artist and inspirational speaker will perform at Bethesda UMC in Welcome on April 19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8. Admission is free.</p><p>"It's the craziest thing," relates the performer who resides in Charlotte but spent most of his formative years right here in Lexington. "It never fails, when I go to a church or some event, there are always one or two elderly people — I'm talking about people in their 70s and 80s — who come up to me and say they never liked rap music until that night. They want to buy my CDs.</p><p>"You know, this is not just geared to young people. It's for people of all ages," said the 1997 graduate of Lexington Senior High School whose given name is Matthew Slyman.</p><p>Since leaving this area some 10 years ago, the 33-year-old, who is also well-known in the music business as a producer, has put together an impressive résumé, which includes releasing four albums under Rock Solid Records and performing for thousands more in events, ranging from small youth functions, prisons and urban outreaches to larger concert events, conferences and festivals. He has shared the stage with many notable artists.</p><p>The name Crucial, he says, dates to his past. "I used to work with kids. We would rap free style and battle back and forth. They would say, 'that's crucial,' or 'that's cool.' I just think the message of Jesus Christ is a very crucial message, and it's crucial people understand the Gospel."</p><p>Slyman, whose father is Jim Slyman, a longtime Lexington ophthalmologist at Davidson Eye Associates, has been involved in music most of his life. He can play keyboards, guitar and the saxophone. </p><p>"Basically, I went down some dark roads in my life. I just got involved in the wrong things. I got to the point that I was kind of at the end of myself." Slyman says when he gave his life to the Lord, he felt he was led to become a musical performer. That was something — a natural gift — he could give for God.</p><p>"I think my ministry actually reaches a lot of the older generation, some of those who are in their 30s and 40s and into hip-hop. I've always said if I can impact just one life, that's great."</p><p>Blanton believes Crucial will be well-received. "I remember when I was in high school, an ex-Hell's Angel came to speak. I still remember that. We wanted someone who could share a life-changing event through Christ. He (Crucial) just doesn't perform. After the show he takes time to fellowship with people."</p><p>Invitations to the concert have gone out to churches in the area and will be sent to area schools, Blanton said.</p><p>"We hope we have a great turnout. We've had gospel singers and bluegrass groups before, but this will be the first rap artist our church has ever hosted," Blanton said with a smile.</p><p>Dwight Davis can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 226 or at dwight.davis@the-dispatch.com.</p>